Chongqing - On December 1st, the UFI China Members Congress 2023 and China Exhibition And Convention Innovators Conference opened at the Yuelai International Convention and Exhibition City in Chongqing.

On December 1st, the UFI China Members Congress 2023 and China Exhibition And Convention Innovators Conference opened at the Yuelai International Convention and Exhibition City in Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

UFI is a global association for tradeshow organizers and exhibition center operators. Its main goal is to represent, promote, and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. 

During the event, the  International Advisors of Chongqing Exhibition Industry was awarded, consisting of ten industry experts and representatives from leading enterprises, such as Chen Xianjin, Honorary Chairman of UFI, and Marius Berlemann, General Manager of Dusseldorf Exhibition (Shanghai) Co Ltd. The UFI China Exhibition Elite Club - China Youth Club was also unveiled.

The awarding ceremony of International Advisors of Chongqing Exhibition Industry. (Photo/The event organizer)

Ou Shunqing, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Chongqing People's Congress, highlighted the rapid development of the exhibition industry in Chongqing. The city hosts national-level exhibitions like the Smart China Expo and the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) and branded events like the Chongqing International Automobile Exhibition and the China International Motorcycle Expo.

"The UFI China Members Congress and the conference is expected to provide a platform for exchange, learning, and showcasing. This opportunity will be leveraged to enhance the exhibition industry in Chongqing through quality services, showcasing a favorable business environment, attracting exhibition talents, fostering friendships, and promoting cooperation," said Ou Shunqing.

Kai Hattendort, Managing Director and CEO of UFI noted that over 230 Chinese exhibition companies are UFI members, with over 220 Chinese exhibition projects receiving UFI certification. China has now emerged as the largest exhibition market in Asia.

Li Hui, General Manager of Chongqing Yuelai Investment Group Co Ltd, said that the Yuelai International Convention and Exhibition City has witnessed nearly 3,000 exhibition events, welcoming over 23 million visitors and contributing billions to the city's economy. The 4th China Exhibition And Convention Innovators Conference reflects the group's proactive approach to understanding industry trends and exploring ways exhibitions drive regional economic development.

The conference featured keynote speeches and industry dialogues. (Photo/The event organizer)

The conference featured keynote speeches and industry dialogues, with around 400 participants, including leaders from UFI headquarters, the Asia-Pacific region, domestic and international exhibition industry figures, top executives of leading exhibition enterprises, and UFI China members. The discussion aimed to analyze global exhibition industry trends and delve into the present and future of the Chinese exhibition industry.